Flathead girls do well in regional soccer play

Team Montana, sponsored by the Flathead Valley Soccer Camp, competed in the U-16 seven-team Premier Division and finished third at the Patriot's Cup in Mesa, Ariz., on Nov. 6-8.

The local girls soccer team defeated Mesa Soccer Club and Arizona Rush by 1-0 scores before falling in the semifinals to Tucson Soccer Academy, 1-0, in a shoot-out. Mesa and Rush were seeded No. 1 and 2 respectively. Mesa was the defending cup champions, while the Rush was a runner-up.

The Arizona teams competing were at the end of their seasons, while the Montana squad had just three practices before the first match.

Team Montana, which consisted of players from Whitefish, Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula, did not give up a goal in regulation play.

Team Montana coach Mike Stebbins praised the play of the one player from Whitefish.

"Samantha Dittman from Whitefish played well as an outside back and in running the flank," Stebbins said.

The coach also credited Chantel Gustine and Abretia Crandell, both of Kalispell, with excellent passing. The back-line was led by all-state player Tess Brenneman from Kalispell, who assisted on one goal.

Kalispell's Anna Jobe, Brittany Earnest and Megan Gardner "played well in both attacking and defending the midfield with good, tough, ball-winning attitudes," Stebbins said. Kalispell's Malia Ozegovich also stood out with her attacking and defending.

The majority of the players on Team Montana attended the Flathead Valley Soccer Camp in Kalispell last summer.